'Men of Love' Nguyen Tuan Cuong, touching truths

Sculptor Nguyen Xuan Thanh said 'Men Tinh' by Nguyen Tuan Cuong is a beautiful and touching exhibition. The reason for that emotion is because the artist poured his real feelings into the paintings.

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An art exhibition featuring watercolor and gouache paintings on vibrant dó paper by artist Nguyen Tuan Cuong is currently taking place at Area 75 - Art & Auction (75 Hang Bo Street, Hanoi ).

A different perspective from Nguyen Tuan Cuong

As a painting instructor and designer of art education programs for primary and secondary school students (editor-in-chief of art textbooks from grades 1 to 9), Nguyen Tuan Cuong's paintings are imbued with the emotional depth and cultural memories of ethnic minorities in the northern mountainous region.

The imagery of a wine bottle, a red cloth, and a time-worn piece of wood—everyday images that nonetheless symbolize love, memories, and the bonds of ethnic minorities—becomes a recurring "code" throughout the series " Men Tình" (Love in Men).

Artist Nguyen Tuan Cuong at the "Men Tinh" exhibition - Photo: T. DIEU

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Speaking to Tuoi Tre Online, artist Nguyen Tuan Cuong recounted that in 2008, during a field trip, he came across a wedding of an ethnic minority group.

Everyone was engrossed in drawing the people and activities in that bustling scene. But he and his colleagues focused solely on the bottles of wine and glasses placed in the middle of the house. He said that just by looking at them, he could see all the unique cultural characteristics of the ethnic minority people come to life.

And that's how Nguyen Tuan Cuong began painting on this theme. He chose traditional Do paper as his medium because the rustic surface of the paper helps the imagery become ethereal and imbued with the passage of time.

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The romantic elements in Nguyen Tuan Cuong's "Men's Love" series are what attract viewers - Photo: T. DIEU

A deep connection with the culture of ethnic minorities.

Before painting ethnic minority scenes in mountainous regions, Nguyen Tuan Cuong tried painting rural landscapes and "Phai Street," but he eventually gave up on both because he didn't find satisfaction in his creative emotions.

Born in Sa Pa and having spent several years of his childhood there, he has always had a special affection for ethnic subjects, and his brushstrokes have become more expressive.

While Nguyễn Tuấn Cường was considered successful with his works on ethnic minority themes, it wasn't until the Men Tình series that he truly established his own unique style, expressing the deepest feelings in his heart when thinking about ethnic minorities.

The series of paintings was created by him starting in 2008, but was only completed in the last year, after he retired from the Central University of Art Education.

Sculptor Nguyen Xuan Thanh said that perhaps because Nguyen Tuan Cuong's childhood was spent in the high mountains of Sa Pa, he has such indelible memories of this land.

"The artist possesses excellent drawing skills, meticulously and carefully depicting every detail. The artist focuses on details without neglecting the overall composition. The paintings are detailed but very refined. Even with a single theme, 'Love and Passion,' the artist uses multiple compositions without becoming monotonous, confusing, or repetitive. This is thanks to genuine emotion," said Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thanh.

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BIRD OF HEAVEN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/men-tinh-nguyen-tuan-cuong-nhung-thuc-tha-cam-dong-20251025035054823.htm